The memory blurred.
And then, Zoey found herself leaning against a tree, her eyes locked onto the silver moon above.
It was full.
Bright.
Soothing.
Yet, within her, anger burned.
She had almost given up.
She had almost forgotten.
She had promised her aunt, a promise she had vowed to keep no matter what.
And now?
A small, bitter chuckle escaped her lips.
"I'm a mess."
She had let her emotions control her.
She had almost thrown everything away, for what?
For jealousy?
For a feeling? The thought disgusted her.
"Aunt Jereva would be disappointed."
Her fists clenched.
What was she doing?
What the hell was she doing?
She couldn't possibly throw everything away for something like this.
Lumindra, who had been silently watching her, smiled warmly.
She felt it.
She felt the shift within Zoey.
The shame was still there, but now… now, it was buried beneath something stronger.
Determination.
Zoey exhaled heavily and wiped her tears one final time.
